Fly-in to a remote polar bear cabin camp set along the coast of Hudson Bay for an almost private polar bear viewing and photography experience like none other. Join this unique opportunity to photograph one of the world’s most magnificent predators from ground level in the Canadian Arctic! This is not just a polar bear trip – it’s an immersive experience in the land of the polar bears, the Inuit people and the intricacies of the tundra. This program gets you as close to polar bears in their natural environment as possible. It’s an experience that will leave lifelong memories.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Depart Winnipeg for Churchill. On arrival transfer to a waiting private charter aircraft for a 40 min flight to the Arviat Polar Bear Cabins situated halfway between Churchill, MB and Arviat, NU on the Hudson Bay Coast, only a couple of miles south of the mighty Gellini River. The cabin placement is very strategic for reliable polar bear encounters and amazing photography. As the river to the north of the cabins is 5km wide, polar bears traveling north along the Hudson Bay coastline are prevented from moving any further due to the river. This is where the cabins have been placed, directly in ‘polar bear alley’. Live with them, observe, and photograph them while they wait for both the river and the Hudson Bay coast to freeze up.
Polar bear observation, trekking and eye-to-eye photography: Observe polar bears when they come right into the complex (there is a four foot high protective perimeter fence around the camp to provide a more natural experience of interaction). Your Inuit guides know these polar bears intimately and understand their behavior after years of living amongst them. With your Inuit guides, go on day hikes outside of the Arviat Polar Bear Cabin complex. Knowing that your guides will keep you safe, you’ll be able to approach polar bears from the ground for up close photographic opportunities (generally up to 100 ft/30 m). In many instances, the polar bears are friendly, in good spirits and will not approach. At times there will be a curious polar bear who will come towards you, yet, your guides will keep you a safe distance at all times. This is the most authentic, safe and up close method of approaching polar bears and seeing them eye to eye anywhere.
This time of year is the best to view the northern lights. Situated directly in the prime viewing band, where the most intense and reliable northern lights occur, eagerly await sunset each evening and the first hints of the northern lights to appear in the darkening night sky.
Photograph in the morning. Depart the cabins shortly after noon for the charter flight returning to Churchill, where the trip concludes (participants can either fly back to Winnipeg that evening, or stay on in Churchill).
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Notes
Select a Date
Please add 5% sales tax from Winnipeg.
2015 rates based on current exchange rate CAD/US dollars. Please contact us for exact quote in US dollars.
Initial deposit is $2200, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners
4 Nights Accommodations
Services of Inuit Guides and expedition staff
Airport pick up and drop-off in Churchill
Private aircraft charter from Churchill to the Polar Bear Cabins
If there is a weather delay that prevents the plane from reaching camp on Day 1, 1 night hotel accommodation in Churchill will be included
Excluded
International Flights
Flights to/from Churchill
Accommodation in Winnipeg (or Churchill for those extending their stay)
Tips, gratuities, personal expenses
Travel, medical and evacuation insurance coverage
Additional costs associated with weather/flight delays and/or layovers beyond Day 2 in Churchill, Polar Bear Cabins, and Winnipeg including flight changes, additional hotels and meals
Map
When to Go
Jan
Feb
Mar
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Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Typically not offered during this period because of weather conditions.
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Constance Block
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5 hours ago
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
1 day ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
1 day ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
2 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.
Anne Petty
3 days ago
Follow up was effective any questions were answered in a timely manner